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Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning face-off against the New York Rangers in a matchup with great playoff implications. The Lightning have clinched a playoff spot, but they will still be looking to improve their playoff seeding. For the Rangers, they are fighting tooth and nail to make it into the wild card since the New Jersey Devils took a large lead in points over them.
Rounding out the road trip in NYC ⚡️
📺: @FDSN_Lightning
📻: @BoltsRadio & @1025TheBone
📝: https://t.co/C5EbjbytMi#GoBolts | #TBLvsNYR pic.twitter.com/XsQHrP1SUc— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 7, 2025
Return to Winning Ways
The Lightning currently are on a two-game losing streak. This losing streak comes after a Lightning four-game win streak in which they outscored opponents 23-8.
Over these past two games, the Lightning first line has combined for two points. That same line combined for 27 points over their four game win streak. So, the Lightning first line’s form will be key to their ability to defeat the Rangers.
Luckily, the Rangers have a vulnerable defense. They are currently 19th in the NHL in goals against per game with 3.03. Also, the Rangers will be missing young center Matt Rempe. However, the Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin will not be pushed over easily, so the Lightning will have to put up smart shots in order to run up the score.
The Lockdown Lightning
The Lightning have been one of the top teams in the league defensively this season. They currently have the fourth least goals against in the NHL and hold the second best score differential in the league.
Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy will be returning to net after resting in their last matchup. He is averaging 2.16 goals against per game and saving 92 percent of shots, so the middle of the pack Rangers offense should not provide a lot of trouble for him. Of course, the Lightning defenseman will have to do their part too, but with a lineup that includes former best defenseman award-winner Victor Hedman, the defense will be fully capable of stopping the Rangers.
Looking Ahead
After facing the Rangers, the Lightning will return home to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. After tonight’s matchup, the Lightning have only five games left in the regular season.
